Ten days before the start of the Australian Open, in which Djokovic has won nine titles, the Serbian tennis player is experiencing a nightmare.
Novak Djokovic spent his second night in Australia in a Melbourne retention center after the cancellation of his visa: the best tennis player on the planet could know his fate on Monday, while in Serbia, the country’s president and the player’s father they denounced a “political hunt”.
Ten days before the start of the Australian Open (January 17-30), in which Djokovic has won nine titles, including the last three editions, the Serbian tennis player is living a nightmare. I had to spend a second night on Thursday in a meager room at the Park Hotel in Melbourne, used by the Australian government to detain people in an irregular situation.
The tennis player has not wanted to communicate if he is vaccinated against Covid-19, and was taken there after the cancellation of his visa by the Australian authorities, who have denied him entry to the country, not having the necessary documents to obtain one medical derogation from the obligation to get vaccinated.
The world number one awaits the end of his legal battle to continue in the Australian territory at this disreputable hotel. A fire broke out there in December, forcing their evacuation. Retained people complained on social media, relying on photos, of finding worms and molds in food. And in October, 21 people contracted Covid-19 there.
“That hotel is infamous,” lamented Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic.
Will resist
“What is not fair play is the political hunt (against Djokovic), in which everyone participates, from the Prime Minister of Australia pretending that the rules are valid for everyone,” Vucic told reporters.
Serbian authorities do “everything possible” to help Djokovic.
The Serbian Ministry of Foreign Affairs specified in a statement released on Thursday that it had made an “oral protest” to the Australian ambassador in Belgrade due to the “inappropriate treatment” a Djokovic.
“He is not a criminal, a terrorist or an illegal immigrant, but he has been treated that way by the Australian authorities, which has led to the outrage from fans and citizens of Serbia”, Says the statement.
In Belgrade, a few hundred people gathered, following the request of Novak’s father, Srdjan Djokovic.
“You met all the necessary conditions for your entry and his participation in the tournament, which he would have won for sure. Since it is about Novak, the best tennis player and athlete in the world ”, the father had declared earlier at a press conference.
“Jesus was crucified and subjected to many things, but he (his son) has endured and is still among us. Novak has also been crucified in the same way, the best athlete and man in the world. He will resist ”, estimated Djokovic’s father.
The Serbian community in Melbourne also mobilized by demonstrating in front of the Park Hotel.
“Why didn’t they tell you anything before traveling to Australia? Because right now? (…) I like Australia, but what they are doing now is a shame, “said Gordana, a Serb who has lived in Australia for 26 years, to AFP.
Hearing scheduled for Monday
In a first hearing on Thursday, State Attorney Christopher Tran assured that Australia does not plan to proceed with the expulsion before another hearing is held, scheduled for Monday.
Rafael Nadal said this Thursday that the Serbian tennis player must bear the consequences of not having been vaccinated against coronavirus.
“For me the only clear thing is that if you have been vaccinated, you can play the Australian Open and anywhere, and in my opinion the world has suffered enough not to follow the rules,” explained Nadal, who is already in Melbourne.
The Serbian, who in the past was reluctant to be vaccinated against covid-19 and has repeatedly refused to confirm whether he was inoculated, had obtained a “medical derogation” to be able to participate in the first Grand Slam of the season.
This It provoked the rejection of the press, the population and even the Australian political class, who accused those responsible for treating the Serbian in favor.
All Australian Open participants must be vaccinated against COVID-19 or have an exemption granted by two independent expert committees.
Djokovic voiced his opposition to the coronavirus vaccine in April 2020, when it was raised that it might be mandatory to resume tournaments.
“Personally I am not provaccine,” Djokovic declared then. “I would not want someone to force me to be vaccinated in order to travel.” (D)
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